A new type of grant from United Way BCKR represents a crucial step toward more equitable funding of partners and programs. Known as Seeding Grants, the one-year, unrestricted investments of $60,000 each went to six organizations led by BIPOC leaders (Black, Indigenous, People of Color).

Irene Muthui, Associate Director of Impact & Equitable Systems, said the grants sprung from United Way BCKR’s learnings through the Catalyzing Community Giving work in Battle Creek. CCG is a partnership with BIPOC-led organizations and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation equipping communities of color to tackle immediate need and the root causes of systemic inequities.

“Through community conversations with BIPOC organizations, we were able to understand their needs and what philanthropy means to them,” Muthui said.

Many grantmaking organizations tend to favor large, white-led social services agencies, she explained. “We saw an opportunity shift that balance,” said Muthui. “BIPOC organizations are experts in their communities. We’re taking those conversations seriously and changing how we show up as an organization—more than a funder, also an advocate.”

Black Wall Street Kalamazoo, which provides support and mentorship to Black-owned businesses, received one of the Seeding Grants. Muthui said the group appreciated the transparency and support, putting their wellbeing at the forefront and building a relationship based on trust and shared accountability.

Seeding Grants helped United Way BCKR pilot an approach they hope to expand upon in the future. “These were one-year, one-time grants. Our vision is to build this trust-based, relationship-based approach into our entire grantmaking process as part of Community Impact redesign,” said Muthui.

“The pilot won’t level the playing field,” she added, “but it’s accelerated our shift toward a lasting and more equitable way of being.”